Category: cpe

A recent CPE writing task involved students writing a letter to the editor of a magazine on the role of food in their region or country. Malin penned the following, which shows she has a ‘wicked’ sense of humour coupled with a gentle sense of irony.

“Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing in response to your request for readers opinions on the role of food in their region or country.

Having had the privilege of living in both the north and south of Sweden, I can confidently say that the two parts differs quite a bit as far as the role of food in daily life is concerned. If the northern part were to set the norm, there would be no such words as ‘stress’ in the dictionary, whereas in the southern part, people simply eat to assuage their hunger. People always seems to be on the go — not having time to sit down while having breakfast, grabbing something quick at lunch — often just in between errands. Even in the evenings, with activities etc. going on on a daily basis, it is quite difficult to find the time to sit down and enjoy a family dinner.

When it comes to customs though, everything changes. Taco Friday is probably the most holy thing in a Swede’s life and maybe the only reason that families stick together. Together with Taco Friday, there is also the Midsummer celebration, Christmas and Easter which are mandatory, and the food served on these occasions is non-negotiable. Why change a winning concept?

The same goes for celebrations. It might not be the same food being served as it is on the above mentioned occasions, but the concept is the same — the same food, no exceptions. At celebrations such as birthday parties, Swedes always eat a dish called Smörgårdstårta, which is basically a cake made of toastbread and a bunch of other ingredients.

Unless you are a person who could not care less about food, Sweden is not the place to go.